cover image The Secret Life of Princesses

The Secret Life of Princesses

Virginie Hanna, , illus. by Cathy Delanssay. . Langenscheidt/Hammond, $17.99 (26pp) ISBN 978-0-8437-1476-0

In this princess tell-all, characters like Snow White, Thumbelina, and the Little Mermaid reveal their secrets in panels that can be read like miniature books, removable notes in envelopes (readers can also write their own), and fold-down flaps, which are smoothly incorporated into Delanssay’s lavish illustrations. While the disclosures are often whimsical, several disappoint (Scheherazade gets her allure and imagination from a magical bellybutton gemstone; Sleeping Beauty uses a sleeping spell “to receive even more hugs and kisses from her darling Prince”). Ages 4–7. (Nov.)